Oxford private school recruiting for new head stages events

Magdalen College School in east Oxford is one of the top performing schools in the country, ranking in the top 20 independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.

In March, it was announced that Helen Pike has decided to step down as Master of the school at the end of the 2026/27 academic year.

READ MORE: Oxford private school’s new plans

She has been Master for the past 11 years, was the first female master at MCS, and guided the board of governors to one of the most significant decisions in the school’s history – to become fully co-educational from 2027.

Helen Pike, Master at Magdalen College School (Image: MCS/Andrew Walmsley)

While there has been a co-educational sixth form at the school for 15 years, the school has announced it will become fully co-educational over the coming decade, starting with years 3 and 4 in 2027.

A sixth form open evening will take place at the school in Cowley Place on Tuesday, May 19 at 5.30pm.

Then there will be a junior school open morning on Thursday, June 4, at 9.30am, followed by a senior school and sixth form afternoon on Thursday, June 25, at 2pm.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We’re really looking forward to the open events – and to welcoming parents with younger daughters to MCS.

“As we look ahead to a co-educational junior school in 2027, and Year 7 in 2030, the open events will provide a great opportunity for families with both boys and girls to come and look around, and see what life is like here.”

Families attending the junior school open morning on June 4 will be able to hear from the Master, and head of junior school, before enjoying a tour of the school with a pupil – with plenty of opportunities for questions.

There has already been interest from parents with daughters who are exploring options for year 7 and plan to join the event on June 25.

Families will be paired with pupils to tour the school site and see facilities for sport, drama, music and more – as well as glimpsing plans for a new science building.

Magdalen College School (Image: MCS/Andrew Walmsley)

Ms Pike said earlier she was looking forward to a new phase in her professional life, “one that builds on all that I have enjoyed and achieved in my career during the past 30 years”.

As the headteacher considers her career move, governors at the school have started the recruitment process to find the right replacement.

Chairman of the board of governors Bob Price said in a letter to parents earlier: “Helen will not be handing over the reins until August next year, which will allow a substantial and smooth period of transition before she moves on to pursue the next stage in a stellar career.

“There will be many opportunities over the coming year to celebrate Helen’s achievements, and to thank her fully for all she has done for MCS.

“The process of recruiting a new Master is already under way, and is being led by a panel of governors that includes two experienced former Heads and three other long serving governors.”